Nawaz Sharif to Reclaim PML-N Presidency After Seven Years

Former Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif is set to reclaim the presidency of the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) next month, seven years after relinquishing the post following his disqualification by the Supreme Court. The decision was made in a party meeting on Friday, where a resolution was passed to reinstate Sharif as the president of PML-N, undoing the injustice he faced in 2017. The party will officially elect him as president on May 11 in a meeting of party leadership.

Sharif’s return to the party’s helm comes amidst internal strife and criticism within the PML-N ranks, including questioning cabinet formations and disillusionment with the party’s alignment with the establishment. Sharif’s acquittal in corruption cases after his return from a self-imposed exile in London last year has strengthened his position within the party. However, despite his popularity, the PML-N failed to secure a clear majority in the February general elections, leading Sharif to let his brother, Shehbaz Sharif, lead a coalition government at the Centre.